Does Medicare Cover Antidepressants?

Medicare Part A and Part B will not cover antidepressants or other prescription drugs.  Since Medicare considers antidepressants a protected class of prescription medicine, all Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans must cover a majority of antidepressants. However, you may have to switch from a brand-name antidepressant to a generic version depending on your […]

What is the Medicare Card Scam?

The scammers want to get personal or financial information for identity theft or outright theft. To thwart a Medicare card scam, follow some basic precautions. Medicare never will call you uninvited to request personal or private information to get a new Medicare card and won’t charge you for a new card. If you receive a […]

Medicare food: Who can apply and how?

Medicare Advantage plan can provide unexpected benefits. One of those benefits is access to food with the Grocery Plus Benefit. Qualified users can get the Grocery Plus benefit that “helps you shop a variety of healthy foods at participating grocery stores.” It stretches your budget for high-quality, healthy foods. You’ll get a Healthy Benefits+ card […]

Is Long-Term Care Covered Under Medicare or Medicaid?

No. Medicare is strictly a health insurance program that covers costs related to illnesses and injuries (and, to some extent, their prevention). Based on a doctor’s recommendation, it will help pay for up to 100 days of rehabilitation or skilled nursing care after a significant health issue. But more extended stays, such as a permanent […]

Will Medicare pay for a lift chair?

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers patient lifts as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home.  After you meet the Part B Deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount (if your supplier accepts assignment). Medicare pays for different kinds of DME in different ways. Depending on the type […]

What are the four parts of Medicare?

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. – Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage. – Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage. – Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits. – Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Generally, the different parts of Medicare help cover specific […]

Are Medicare costs tax deductible?

Monthly Medicare Part B premiums are tax-deductible. And just like other types of medical expenses, you can deduct them from your taxes. You’ll need to meet specific rules to deduct your Part B premium. It is possible to take advantage of the medical expense deduction, but only if you follow certain rules. To do so, […]

What is “The Medicare Wellness Visit”?

The Medicare Wellness Visit differs from a routine physical because it focuses on preventing disability and disease. During this visit, you and your health care provider (a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or nurse) will develop a personalized plan for your health and wellness goals. Is the Medicare Wellness Visit free? If you qualify, Original […]

What is the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) ?

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model is a structured intervention with the goal of preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals with an indication of prediabetes. The clinical intervention consists of a minimum of 16 intensive “core” sessions of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved curriculum furnished over six months in a […]

Can I save money by adding Medicare Advantage?

A Medicare PFFS Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) offered by a private insurance company. PFFS plans aren’t the same as Original Medicare or Medigap. The plan determines how much it will pay doctors, other health care providers, and hospitals, and how much you must pay when you get care. Yes […]